LarryHoosier
Marksman
- May 22, 2011
- 234
- 28
I couple of weeks ago I posted pics of my Dreyse M1862 Zundnadelgewehr. Some asked for more specifics on making the cartridges for this old bolt gun. So here is that.
These are the mandrels that I made from 5/8" steel bar to create the papier Mache sabot for the 62mm lead ball the I used for the cartridge.
I used 65 grains of Pyrodex and I probably go a bit anal with the musket cap. I use a formula that also works reliably in my Chassepot rifle, that is I fill the cap with a toy rifle cap (plastic) and some fffg Swiss BP and cover with paper circle. This is a tip (the plastic cap) that someone on the internet posted some time ago and so far it is 100% for me. The cap is inserted into the end of the sabot. The cartridge sleeve is created with 92 lb computer paper inner layer and onion skin parchment paper outer layer. In goes the powder, in goes the sabot, in goes the lead ball, and finally a twist and tie and you have it.
Now if you think this is labor and time consuming you would be correct. Only a few idiots such as myself do it but then again if you want to be the only person at the range shooting such a weapon that is what is required.
These are the mandrels that I made from 5/8" steel bar to create the papier Mache sabot for the 62mm lead ball the I used for the cartridge.
I used 65 grains of Pyrodex and I probably go a bit anal with the musket cap. I use a formula that also works reliably in my Chassepot rifle, that is I fill the cap with a toy rifle cap (plastic) and some fffg Swiss BP and cover with paper circle. This is a tip (the plastic cap) that someone on the internet posted some time ago and so far it is 100% for me. The cap is inserted into the end of the sabot. The cartridge sleeve is created with 92 lb computer paper inner layer and onion skin parchment paper outer layer. In goes the powder, in goes the sabot, in goes the lead ball, and finally a twist and tie and you have it.
Now if you think this is labor and time consuming you would be correct. Only a few idiots such as myself do it but then again if you want to be the only person at the range shooting such a weapon that is what is required.